Early T-Precursor Thymocytes as Potential Target Cells for HIV infection
Abstract
The infant human thymus was analyzed in a search for early precursor cells that might be targets for HIV infection. The more mature cells were removed by depletion procedures and early cells isolated by multiparameter fluorescence activated cell sorting. The earliest T-lineage cells obtained were CD34+7+2+1-3-4-8-, in contrast to mouse thymus where the earliest cells expressed CD4. However, human thymic dendritic cells (DC) were isolated and these expressed high levels of CD4. Their surface phenotype was CD1-2-3-4+8-7- 34-44+ MHC class I+ class II+. These DC were tested for infectability with HIV- 1, by pulsed contact with virus, culture for 2-7 days, then PCR for gag or immunoperoxidase staining for p24. A high proportion of thymic DC showed productive infection with virus. However, infection was restricted to the macrophage trophic HIV strains, lymphotrophic isolates being non-infective. The results have implications for the early stages of AIDS development. HIV infection, Precursor thymocytes, Dendritic cells.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 22, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA286392
Entities
People
- A. Boyd
- F. Sotzik
- K. Shortman
- K. Winkel
- P. Cameron
Organizations
- WEHI